Egypt remains Ebola-free, urges caution over travel

The Ministry of Health and Population said on Sunday that the country remains free of Ebola infections and described the risk to citizens as low, while urging people to postpone non-essential travel to countries affected by the virus.

The warning followed the World Health Organisation (WHO)declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern linked to Ebola cases reported in several countries, the ministry said.

Citizens travelling to affected areas for unavoidable reasons were advised to comply with preventive measures issued by local health authorities and avoid direct contact with suspected cases or bodily fluids.

The ministry said quarantine departments at all air, sea and land entry points had raised preparedness levels, including intensified health screening procedures for arrivals from affected countries and monitoring travellers for 21 days.

Authorities advised travellers to seek immediate medical attention or contact the ministry’s hotline if symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained bleeding appear.

The ministry reiterated that Ebola spreads only through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, including blood, saliva and other secretions, and said the virus is not airborne. It added that infected individuals are not contagious before symptoms emerge.

The Health Ministry said it continues to monitor global epidemiological developments around the clock in coordination with the World Health Organization and would update procedures immediately if the situation changes.

The ministry also urged the public not to circulate rumors or rely on unofficial information, calling on citizens to follow updates issued by official authorities only.

For inquiries, the ministry said citizens can contact its hotline on 105.

The post Egypt remains Ebola-free, urges caution over travel appeared first on Egyptian Gazette.

المصدر: Egyptian Gazette